Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

1-06-23 Two Men Arrested and Charged in Major Drug Bust in Kona

Hawai’i Police DepartmentVice Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226Report No.: 23-001011 Media Release Members of the Area II Vice Section recovered a large quantity of illegal drugs with a street value of more than $50,000 after arresting two men in Kona on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The two men, 38-year-old […]

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1-06-23 (Update) Runaway Kelis Garmon-Mercado Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-093678 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 17-year-old Kelis Garmon-Mercado, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Thursday, January, 5, 2023, in good health.

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1-06-23 DUI Stats

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of December 26, 2022, through December 31, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested (14) motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the […]

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1-06-23 Puna Man Arrested and Charged for Christmas Day Attempted Murder

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-114588 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged 33-year-old Sione Koula Sipinga, of Pahoa, with attempted murder and numerous firearm-related offenses following a violent altercation in the Leilani Estates subdivision early Christmas morning, December 25, 2022. On Thursday morning, January […]

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1-06-23 Waimea Man Arrested for Threatening Police Officer

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 23-001162 Media Release A 31-year-old Waimea man released on bail for recent fireworks and drug offenses, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree terroristic threatening after he threatened a Hawai‘i Police Department officer. Following a month-long investigation, […]

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1-04-23 Police Ask Public’s Assistance Locating Missing Endangered Woman Mary Raye

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-001973 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 66-year-old Mary Raye of Pahoa, who was reported missing. She is considered endangered because she requires medication for a medical condition. Raye was last seen in the area of Kalapana Gardens in […]

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1-06-23 (Update) Police Identify Man Who Jumped Off Puueo Bridge

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-001350 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the man who jumped off the Puueo Bridge in downtown Hilo, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, as 71-year-old David P. Crowley of Hilo. An autopsy was performed Thursday afternoon, January 5, 2023, and the […]

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1-05-23 Police Arrest and Charge Hilo Man for Sex Assault and Abuse Offenses

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 23-000712 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 33-year-old Jason King Hall, of Hilo, with sex assault and various domestic-related offenses following an altercation Monday night, January 2, 2023. On Thursday morning, January 5, 2023, after conferring with Hawai’i […]

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1-05-23 Oahu Man Charged following New Year’s Day Assault

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-000246 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 22-year-old K-One Howard, of Eva Beach, Oahu, with assault following a New Year’s Day incident in Hilo. On Sunday, January 1, 2023, shortly after 2:30 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to […]

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1-05-23 (Update) Missing Woman Ashlee Pruett Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Oliver AgustinPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-000631 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 26-year-old Ashlee Pruett, of Hilo, who was previously reported as missing, was located in Hilo on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in good health.

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1-05-23 Police Arrest Five After Large Affray in Downtown Hilo

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Joshua Rodby-TomasPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-001325 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested two adults and three juveniles after a report of a large affray in downtown Hilo on Wednesday afternoon, January 4, 2023. At 4:21 p.m. on Wednesday, Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting a large affray in the area of the […]

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1-04-23 Police Investigate After Man Jumps Off Puueo Bridge

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-001350 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation after a man reportedly jumped to his death off the Puueo Bridge, in Downtown Hilo on Wednesday evening, January 4, 2023. Shortly before 5:00 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers and […]

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1-04-23 Puna Woman Arrested and Charged Following Violent Domestic Dispute

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-000195 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged 21-year-old Yasmine Michelle Lilia Butterfield, of Kalapana, with various domestic-related offenses following a violent altercation Saturday night, December 31, 2022. On Wednesday afternoon, January 4, 2023, after conferring with Hawai’i County prosecutors, […]

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1-04-23 (Update) Puna Pedestrian Accident, Coroner’s Inquest Investigation

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-116538 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating an incident that occurred on Friday evening, December 30, 2022, in Puna, which left an unidentified pedestrian injured and a vehicle operator dead. Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Puna patrol officers responded to […]

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1-04-23 Police Renew Request for Public’s Assistance Locating Missing Kona Man Landon Fairbanks

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 22-067798 Media Release (Update #2) Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the community’s assistance in locating 42-year-old Landon Fairbanks who has been reporting missing. Fairbanks was last seen on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. in […]

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1-04-23 (Update) Runaway Deandre Moore Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-072935 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 17-year-old Deandre Moore, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Ka’ū  on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in good health.

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1-03-23 Waimea Couple Arrested and Charged for Drug Offenses and Illegal Fireworks

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentVice Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226Report No.: 22-116327 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police charged a Waimea couple with more than a half dozen drug offenses, as well as illegal fireworks violations on Saturday evening, December 31, 2022, following their arrest on Friday, December 30. After a month-long […]

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1-03-23 Puna Man Dies After Police Respond to Attempted Suicide Call

Hawai’i Police DepartmentOffice of the Police Chief                  Acting Chief Andrew BurianPhone: (808) 961-2261Report No.: 23-000606 Media Release Hawai’i Island police detectives are investigating an incident that left a 38-year-old Puna man dead on Monday evening, January 2, 2023. On Monday evening, shortly after 5:00 p.m., Puna patrol officers responded to a reported active attempted suicide call […]

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1-03-23 Police Seeking Missing Woman Ashlee Pruett

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Oliver AgustinPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-000631 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking the public’s assistance in locating 26-year-old Ashlee Pruett, of Hilo, who was reported missing. Pruett was last seen in the downtown Hilo area in November. She is described as local, 5 feet 1 inches tall, 135 pounds, with a […]

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1-02-23 Burned Body Located on Banyan Drive in Hilo

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-000533 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are investigating the discovery of a badly burned body on Banyan Drive in Hilo. Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2023, the Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to a report of a large banyan tree on […]

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12-31-22 (Update) Missing Child Zealand Brickwood Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Kaipo AurelloPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.:  22-116561 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 12-year-old Zealand Brickwood, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Saturday, December 31, 2022, in good health. Due to his age, he had been considered an endangered missing child. Hawai‘i Police Department thanks […]

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12-31-22 Police Search for Man Struck by Vehicle in Puna

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-116538 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male pedestrian believed to have been struck by a vehicle on Friday evening, December 30, 2022, in Hawaiian Beaches. On Friday evening, shortly after 9:30 p.m., Puna patrol […]

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12-31-22 Police Seeking Missing Child Zealand Brickwood

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Kaipo AurelloPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.:  22-116561 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 12-year-old Zealand Brickwood, who was reported as a runaway. Due to his age, he is considered and endangered missing child.  Brickwood was last seen in the 1700 block of Kinoole Street in […]

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12-30-22 Police Department’s 96th Recruit Class Graduates

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr.  Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s 96th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo. This was an invite-only ceremony limited to police personnel, guest speakers, and family members of the […]

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12-30-22 (Update) Two Missing Men Located in Good Health

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Christian SchaberPhone: (808) 935-3311Report Numbers: 22-115942 and22-116245 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two men, reported missing in separate instances, were both located in good health. John Beitler (Report #22-115942), who was reported missing on Thursday, December 29, 2022, was located that same day on Oahu. In an unrelated […]

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12-30-22 Police Ask Public’s Assistance in Locating Missing Elderly Man Kenneth Kubo

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Christian SchaberPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-116245 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 88-year-old Kenneth Kubo, who was reported missing and is considered endangered. Kubo was last seen on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 6:50 a.m., in the 400 block of Hinano Street, in […]

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12-29-22 Police Thank the Community for Supporting Hydro Flask Drive

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionOfficer Leonard WarrenPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 258 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) would like to thank the Big Island community for their tremendous contributions to the recent water bottle/hydro flask drive. From September through November, HPD’s Kona Community Policing Section, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Aloha Maps, […]

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12-29-22 Assistant Chief to Serve as Acting Police Chief

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth BugadoPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department announces that effective Friday, December 30, 2022, at 4:30 p.m., Assistant Police Chief Andrew Burian will serve as Acting Police Chief until Tuesday, January 17, 2023, when Benjamin Moszkowicz is sworn in as the new police chief. Moszkowicz was […]

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12-29-22 Police Ask Public’s Assistance Locating Missing Hilo Man John Beitler

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Christopher BartoPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-115942 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 53-year-old John Beitler, of Hilo, who was reported missing. Beitler was last seen in the area of Banyan Drive in Hilo on Friday, December 9, 2022. Beitler is described as Caucasian, […]

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12-29-22 Police Urging Motorists to Drive Safely This Holiday Weekend

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionProgram Manager Torey KeltnerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release With Hawai‘i Island traffic fatalities at their highest level in a decade, Hawai‘i Police Department is urging motorists to drive safely and sober during the New Year’s holiday weekend. To date this year, there have been 34 fatalities on Big Island roads, compared […]

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12-28-22 (Update) Runaway Aiden Becker Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-113192 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 14-year-old Aiden Becker, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Puna on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in good health.

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12-28-22 DUI Stats

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of December 19, 2022, through December 25, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 17 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Four of the drivers was under the […]

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12-27-22 (Update) Missing Woman Heather Heathman Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Roger Carvalho Jr.Phone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-113902 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 42-year-old Heather Heathman of California, who was previously reported missing, was located in Hilo on Friday, December 23, 2022, in good health.

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12-27-22 Police Seeking Runaway Deandre Moore

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 22-072935 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Deandre Moore who was reported as a runaway. Moore was last seen on August 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., in the area of […]

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12-27-22 (Update) Police Locate Man Wanted on Warrants, Additional Investigations Ongoing

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 22-113308 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police have located 42-year-old Ronald Patrick Keahonui Kahihikolo, of Ocean View, who has been wanted since July 2021 for three outstanding arrest warrants, as well as for questioning in several other criminal investigations. On Sunday, December 25, […]

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12-27-22 Police Remind Residents of Fireworks Rules, Offer Pet Safety Tips

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionCommunity Policing Officer Aaron YamanakaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 258 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police, concerned about illegal aerial fireworks, are reminding the public about the rules governing the use of fireworks so they may enjoy a safe New Year’s holiday. Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting […]

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12-27-22 Detective Honored for his Meticulous Efforts in Murder Investigation

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release As a result of his exhaustive efforts reviewing video surveillance footage that helped crack two murder investigations, Detective Anson Caceres was recognized by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee as Officer of the Month for December 2022 during an awards ceremony […]

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12-21-22 Police Seeking Runaway Aiden Becker

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Kenneth IshiiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-113192 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Aiden Becker who was reported as a runaway. Becker was last seen in the area of North Glenwood Road, in Mountain View, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. He […]

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12-21-22 Police Continue Search for Missing Big Island Man

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-080840 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 31-year-old Gary Silva-Evangelista, who was reporting as missing. He has not been seen or heard from by his family since 2019. Silva-Evangelista has been known to […]

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12-20-22 DUI Stats

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of December 12, 2022, through December 18, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 19 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the […]

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12-20-22 Police Renew Request for Kona Woman Sought in Custodial Interference Investigation

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Sharlotte BirdPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 278Report No.: 22-014086 Media Release (Update #2)        Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance with locating Tara Lasham, who is wanted on an outstanding warrant and for questioning relative to a custodial interference investigation. Lasham may be […]

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12-20-22 Police Ask Public’s Assistance Identifying Kea‘au Theft Suspect

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Zenas PachecoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-112653 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man involved in a theft that took place at a business establishment in Kea‘au this week. On Monday, December 19, 2022, at 3:44 p.m., an unidentified male suspect was observed on video surveillance […]

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12-20-22 (Update) Runaway Kainalu Cox Located

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna DistrictSergeant Christopher JelsmaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-111647 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police report that Kainalu Cox, who was previously been reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in good health.

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12-19-22 Officer Honored For Theft Investigation

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release For his diligent efforts in a theft investigation, Patrol Officer Dallas Arce was recognized by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee as Officer of the Month for November 2022 during an awards ceremony at Huggo’s on the Rocks in Kona on […]

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12-17-22 Volcano Man Killed in Hilo Crash

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 22-111789 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal collision in Hilo Saturday morning that killed a 54-year-old Volcano man. The crash occurred in the Hilo-bound (northbound) section of Highway 11, in the area of the 5 mile-marker near Ikaika […]

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12-16-22 Police Seeking Runaway Kainalu Cox

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna DistrictOfficer Mark KailiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-111647 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Kainalu Cox of Ainaloa who has been reported as a runaway. Cox was last seen in the 200 block of West Puainako Street in Hilo on Friday, December 16, 2022, at […]

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12-15-22 (Update) Body Located Along Hilo Bay Shoreline Identified  

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-109864 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the body that was discovered along the Hilo Bay shoreline, near Isles, in Hilo on Sunday, December 11, 2022. The victim has been identified as 64-year-old Randall Malakaua of Hilo. After an autopsy was […]

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12-15-22 Public Invited to Coffee with a Cop Dec. 16 in Waimea

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release Hawaiʻi Police Department’s South Kohala Community Policing Section invites you to join them for “Coffee with a Cop” on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Waimea Starbucks in the Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Māmalahoa Highway. These popular police outreach events […]

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12-14-22 Keiki Enjoy Hāmākua Christmas Carnival  

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community PolicingLieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-2350 Media Release Nearly 100 keiki ranging from three to 15 years old celebrated the Christmas spirit during the Hāmākua Christmas Carnival, co-sponsored by the Hilo Community Policing Section and the County of Hawai‘i Parks and Recreation Department. The community event, which was held on Saturday, December, […]

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12-13-22 Police Respond to Shark Attack in Waikoloa

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictSergeant Ray FukadaPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-110389 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a public accident case in connection with a shark attack that was reported on Tuesday morning, December 13, 2022, at Anaehoomalu Bay, in Waikoloa. A 68-year old Waikoloa man was swimming about 400 yards offshore around 8a.m. […]

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12-13-22 DUI Stats

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of December 5, 2022, through December 11, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 21 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the […]

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12-13-22 (Update) Runaway Jason Oharra Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Rodney DelimaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-085548 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Jason Oharra, who was reported as a runaway, was located in Pahoa on Monday December 12, 2022, in good health.

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12-12-22 (Update) Hilo Man Charged Following Domestic Dispute

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 22-109140 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 44-year-old Jacob Walter Umemoto, of Hilo, with abuse family household member and various firearm offenses following a domestic-related incident with his 17-year-old daughter while at a residence on Hookina Place, in Hilo, on […]

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12-12-22 Police Seek Identity of Suspect in Hilo Business Robbery

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-108119 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for a robbery at a Hilo business on Tuesday morning, December 6, 2022. At approximately 9:34 a.m., on December 6, Hilo patrol officers responded to […]

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12-12-22 Police Seeking Runaway Tanaiyah Hao-Kallio

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIOfficer Jeremiah HullPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 301Report No.: 22-092496 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 17-year-old Tanaiyah Hao-Kallio who was reported as a runaway. Hao-Kallio was last seen on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, near the intersection of  Makala Boulevard and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in Kailua-Kona. Tanaiyah […]

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12-12-22 Police Seeking Missing Waimea Woman Mary Kaniho

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-109771 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Mary Kaniho of Waimea, who was reported missing by her family. Kaniho was last contacted on December 9, 2022, in the Waimea area. She is described as Hawaiian, 5 feet […]

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12-12-22 Police Ask Public’s Assistance Locating Waikoloa Theft Suspect

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolOfficer Andrew LovePhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-106717 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying an individual involved in a theft that took place at a retail store in Waikoloa on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 7:53 p.m. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 5 feet […]

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12-11-22 Body Located Along Hilo Bay Shoreline

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-109864 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating the discovery of a body located along the Hilo Bay shoreline near Isles, in Hilo Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2022, Hilo patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to […]

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12-10-22 Hilo Man Arrested Following Domestic Dispute

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-109410 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested 44-year-old Jacob Walter Umemoto, of Hilo, following a reported domestic-related incident that occurred at a residence in Hilo late Friday night, December 9, 2022. Shorty after 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Hilo patrol officers responded […]

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12-09-22 Man Charged Following Hilo Bank Robbery

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-108225 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 52-year-old John Jason McCrary, of Pahoa, with various offenses following a Hilo bank robbery. The charges against McCrary stem from an incident reported on Tuesday morning, December 6, 2022, when Hilo patrol […]

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12-09-22 (Update) Missing Person Kira Kaeha Located                

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808)961-8843Report No.: 22-060513 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 18-year-old  Kira Kaeha was located in Hilo on Thursday, December 8, 2022, in good health. She was previously reported as a runaway and having turned 18, the “age of majority”, was […]

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12-08-22 Man Arrested and Charged After String of Kona Burglaries

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 277Report Numbers: 22-107102, 22-107117, 22-108511 Media Release Hawai’i Island police arrested and charged 27-year-old Steven Charles Jackson with fourth-degree sexual assault, as well as multiple burglary and drug offenses for a trio of burglaries that occurred between Saturday December 3, 2022, […]

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12-07-22 Officers Respond to Active Shooter Threat at Kea‘au High School

Hawai‘i  Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-108464 Media Release Hawaii Police Department (HPD) officers responded to Kea‘au High School this morning after receiving a call about an active shooter situation that ultimately proved to be false. On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 10:01 a.m., Central Dispatch received a call that there was […]

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12-06-22 DUI Stats

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of November 28, 2022, through December 4, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 15 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Five of the drivers were under the […]

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12-06-22 Police Seeking Missing Person Kira Kaeha                

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808)961-8843Report No.: 22-060513 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 18-year-old  Kira Kaeha. She was previously reported as a runaway and having turned 18, the “age of majority”, is now considered a missing […]

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12-05-22 Police Co-Sponsor Lonoikamakahiki Fishing Tournament

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionCommunity Policing Officer Christopher FukumotoPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release The Hilo Community Policing Section in partnership with Maha Village Neighborhood Watch, co-sponsored the Lonoikamakahiki Catch-and-Release Fishing Tournament at the Lehia Beach Park in the Keaukaha area of Hilo on Saturday, November, 19, 2022. Roughly 50 keiki, ranging in age from five […]

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12-02-22 Police Remind Motorists to Drive with Caution on DKI Highway

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr.Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release With the weekend approaching, Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is reminding motorists to drive with caution on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (DKI Highway/Saddle Road), due to increased traffic congestion between the Mauna Kea Access Road and Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area as […]

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12-02-22 Police Seek Three Suspects in Kona Theft

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Aron TomotaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 22-104924 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance identifying three suspects in an investigation into a theft that occurred recently at a business in the 75-900 block of Henry Street in Kailua-Kona.   It was reported that on Saturday, November […]

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12-02-22 (Update) Three Runaways Located

Hawaii Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 22-094404, 22-097648, and 22-103763 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that three runaways were recently located separately – all in good health. Seventeen-year-old Chance Lebehn (Report No. 22-094404) was located in Kailua-Kona on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Fifteen-year-old […]

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12-01-22 DUI Stats

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of November 21, 2022, through November 27, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested 16 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the […]

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11-29-2022 (Update) Runaway Maiya Mattos-Eblacas Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-103533 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Maiya Mattos-Eblacas, who was previously  reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, in good health.

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11-29-22 Police Search for Missing Hilo Woman

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-104200 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 29-year-old Chelsey Lee Hemingway of Hilo. Her family in California have not heard from her since early November 2022, and is concerned for her well-being. Hemingway also has an […]

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11-28-22 Hilo Man Charged with Stealing Visitors Rental Vehicle

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-104521 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 22-year-old Shaycen Roily Sabino of  Hilo following an auto-theft that left a family visiting from Japan without their rental vehicle. The charges against Sabino stem from an incident on Thursday evening, November […]

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11-28-22 Police Seeking Runaway German Castillo

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIDetective Brandon MansurPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 301Report No.: 22-071033 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 15-year-old German Castillo who was reported as a runaway. Castillo was last seen leaving a juvenile housing facility in Captain Cook on August 14, 2022. He is described as being 5 […]

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11-28-22 Starting December 1 Sergeants to Start Wearing Body Worn Cameras

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the Police ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr.Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release As part of their continuing efforts to enhance professionalism and provide transparency to the community, the Hawai‘i Police Department is pleased to announce that starting Thursday, December 1, 2022, 40 patrol sergeants will be outfitted with Body Worn Cameras (BWC) […]

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11-28-2022 Police Seeking Runaway Maiya Mattos-Eblacas

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Justin DodoPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-103533 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Maiya Mattos-Eblacas who was reported as a runaway. Mattos-Eblacas was last seen in the 500 block of Waianuenue Avenue Street in Hilo on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., wearing […]

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11-23-22 Puna Man Arrested and Charged Following Puna Shooting

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-103420 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 45-year-old Kiha Rodney Stone Kaahu of Pahoa with terroristic threatening, numerous firearm-related, and other offenses following a violent altercation in the Leilani Estates subdivision in Pāhoa on Monday morning, November 21, 2022. […]

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11-23-22 Police Seeking Runaway Kaiulani Melendez                

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Joshua GouveiaPhone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 22-103729 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 17-year-old Kaiulani Melendez who was reported as a runaway. Melendez was last seen in at her residence in the Kaumana area of Hilo Monday night, November 21, 2022. She is described as having a fair complexion, 5 […]

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11-23-22 Police Seeking Runaway Ashley Tavares

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Joshua GouveiaPhone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 22-103763 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 17-year-old Ashley Tavares of Hilo, who was reported as a runaway. Tavares was last seen in Honomū during the evening hours of Monday, November 21, 2022. She is described as local, 5 feet 4 inches tall, […]

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11-23-22 DUI Stats

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of November 14, 2022, through November 20, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 16 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the […]

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11-22-22 Officer Honored for Fast Responses in Life Saving Situations

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release For his quick life-saving actions in two different situations, Officer Robert McKay Jr. was recognized by the Hawai‘i Island Security and Safety Professionals Association (HISSPA) as the HISSPA Officer of the Quarter for Q3 2022 on Friday, November 18, 2022. A 10-year veteran of […]

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11-17-22 (Update) Missing Teen Adan Seysyuk Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolCaptain Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 961-2214Report No.: 22-102263 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 13-year-old Adan Seysyuk, who was previously reported as missing, was located in Hilo on November 17, 2022, in good health. Hawai‘i Police Department thanks the public for their assistance.

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11-17-22 Police Searching for Missing 13-year-old Adan Seysyuk

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolCaptain Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 961-2214Report No.: 22-102263 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Adan Seysyuk. He is considered endangered.  He was last seen on Noheaikena Place in Honomū on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. wearing a gray shirt with red writing on […]

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11-17-22 Officer Honored for Life Saving Measures Using Tourniquet

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release For his proactive police work in two investigations, Officer Cody Correia was honored as Officer of the Month for September 2022 by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i during a ceremony in Hilo on Thursday, October 27, 2022.  In the two-and-a-half years since he […]

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11-17-22 Police Ask Public’s Assistance Locating Missing Pahoa Man Jonas Eblacas

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Christopher JelsmaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-102040 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 41-year-old Jonas Eblacas of Pahoa who was reported as missing. He was last seen in Hawaiian Beaches on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, around 10:22 p.m. Eblacas is described as being Caucasian, 5 […]

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11-16-22 (Update) Missing Honolulu Man Donald Sniffin Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-099764 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 22-year-old Donald James Sniffin, who was previously reported as missing, was located on island Saturday November 12, 2022, in good health.

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11-16-22 Police Renew Request for Kona Woman Sought in Custodial Interference Investigation

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Sharlotte BirdPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 278Report No.: 22-014086 Media Release (Update #1)       Hawai’i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance with locating Tara Lasham, who is wanted on an outstanding warrant and for questioning relative to a custodial interference investigation. Lasham may […]

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11-16-22 (Update) Runaway Aiden Becker Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Officer Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-100324 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 14-year-old Aiden Becker, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located on Monday, November 14, 2022, in Hilo in good health.

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11-15-22 (Update) 10-year-old Runaway Kainoha Nowell Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolCaptain Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 961-2214Report No.: 22-101591 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 10-year-old Kainoha Nowell, who was previously reported as missing, was located in good health on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, in Hilo. HPD thanks the public for their assistance.

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11-15-22 Police Seeking 10-year-old Runaway Kainoha Nowell

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolCaptain Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 961-2214Report No.: 22-101591 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in locating a missing child, 10-year-old Kainoha Nowell. Nowell was initially reported as a runaway but due to his age, he is considered a missing endangered child.  Nowell is described as 4 feet 4 inches […]

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11-15-22 DUI Stats

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of November 7, 2022, through November 13, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested 15 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the […]

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11-15-22 Police Renew Request for Information on Runaway Kamalii Lawelawe

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIOfficer Jeremiah HullPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 302Report No.: 22-057756 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Kamalii M.K. Lawelawe of Kailua-Kona, who was reported as a runaway. He was last seen at his residence on Sunday, July 3, 2022, at 10:30 p.m. […]

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11-15-22 Motorists Advised of Traffic Delays in Kainaliu

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Patrol Officer Aaron YamanakaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253 Media Release Motorists are asked to drive with caution on Mamalahoa Highway in Kainaliu town as State Department of Transportation road crews are working in the area with flaggers. Contraflow traffic will be in place until approximately 2:30 p.m. Alternate routes include Ali’I Highway […]

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11-15-22 Police Remind Public to Drive Safely as Thanksgiving Approaches

Hawaii Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release As Thanksgiving approaches, Hawai‘i Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind motorists that drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. Before heading out to any holiday event, remember: If You Feel […]

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11-14-22 Police Ask Public’s Assistance in Locating Missing Man Daniel Peaster

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Shawn TinglePhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-101144 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 26-year-old Daniel Josiah Peaster of Pahoa who was reported missing. Peaster was last contacted on Monday, November 14, 2022, around 1:34 a.m. in the area of Black Sand Subdivision in Pahoa. He […]

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11-13-22 (Update) Kona Man Charged After Armed Robbery and Shooting at Officer

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area IICaptain Thomas ShopayPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 263Report No.: 22-100189 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 27-year-old Dyllan Paulo-Leslie of Kailua-Kona with a slew of offenses, including attempted murder, reckless endangering, theft, and multiple firearms offenses following an incident involving armed robbery, a car crash, and shooting at […]

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11-11-22 Kona Pair Arrested After Armed Robbery and Shooting at Officer

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area IICaptain Thomas ShopayPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 263Report No.: 22-100189 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested two people as part of their ongoing investigation into an incident involving an armed robbery, a traffic collision, and a suspect shooting at an officer that occurred in Kona Thursday evening. Police […]

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11-11-22 (Update) Runaways Maiya and Shaiya Mattos-Eblacas Located

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Chance LunsfordPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-099535 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old twin sisters Shaiya and Maiya Mattos-Eblacas, who were reported as a runaways, were located in Pahoa on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, in good health.

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11-11-22 Police Seeking Runaway Aiden Becker

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolLieutenant Allan WatanabePhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-100324 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Aiden Becker who was reported as a runaway. Becker was last seen on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 9:00 p.m., in the area of North Glenwood Road, in Mountain View wearing […]

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